INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers are considering forgiving $12
million in loans that "failing" charter schools accepted from the state.

Seven schools whose charters were revoked by Ball State University in
January would be absolved of payments along with another school which did
not seek to renew its charter. The Indiana Department of Education loaned
the money to the schools to help them with startup costs.

The loan forgiveness is included in roughly $80 million the Senate has
budgeted to repay loans taken by charter schools.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley said state fiscal analysts are
reviewing the eight charter schools to determine if they should have their
loans waived. The analysts will have to work quickly because lawmakers
plan to wrap up their 2013 session in a few days.